Shattered Ice

Through the Storm: Triumph Amid the Tempest

The mountain showed its teeth today, as temperatures hovering near freezing and relentless snow transformed our battlefield into a scene reminiscent of the treacherous slopes I once navigated in the Eastern Himalayas. Through bitter winds that howled at 16 mph and driving snow that tested even the most seasoned competitors, we witnessed a display of resilience that would make any high-altitude expedition proud.

In our MPO division, the summit assault proved as dynamic as any technical climb I've led, with six dramatic lead changes mirroring the unpredictable nature of mountain weather. Alex Tews emerged victorious with a masterful 1014-rated performance at 6-under par, like a skilled mountaineer finding the perfect line through a treacherous ice field. Josh Newton secured second place at 5-under, demonstrating the steady resolve of a veteran climber, while Brock Shepherd rounded out our podium at 4-under, each playing their part in this high-stakes alpine challenge.

The MA1 division saw Darin Hamblin chart a course to victory with the precision of a seasoned sherpa, posting an impressive 981-rated round at 2-under par. Like a group of climbers roped together for safety, three competitors found themselves tied for second at 5-over, their shared fate a testament to the challenging conditions they faced.

In MA2, Jason Ramon navigated the elements with remarkable skill, matching Hamblin's 981-rated performance at 2-under par, creating a significant gap between himself and his nearest competitors – much like a lead climber breaking trail through fresh powder. Sean Hayden demonstrated exceptional control in MA3 with a 1-under showing, while Earl Taylor maintained his footing in MA4 with an even-par round that spoke to his unwavering focus. In MA40, Greg Jenson led his small but determined expedition at 5-over.

The course's most formidable challenges – holes 2, 5, 9, and 10 – proved as merciless as the notorious passages between Camp III and Camp IV on Everest, with birdie rates hovering around 8-14%. These holes, like the disputed territories between our Frostbite Seekers and Whiteout Guardians, became the proving grounds where victories were carved from the ice itself.

As we look ahead to week four, the divide between Seekers and Guardians grows deeper, like a crevasse widening in the spring thaw. The mountain has tested us today, but greater challenges lie ahead. In my years of expedition leadership, I've learned that such conditions often precede the most remarkable discoveries. The question remains: who among our intrepid competitors will adapt, survive, and ultimately conquer these increasingly treacherous conditions?